Obscure Box

It sounded like a joke at first. One of those stories you hear about all the time but without any foundation in truth.

But this is no joke.

The news websites are full of reports about a Catholic priest who's gone missing after he was tied to hundreds of helium balloons.

The Associated Press is one of many news sites reporting the story "Brazil priest vanishes on balloon flight".

Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli lifted off from the port city of Paranagua on Sunday afternoon, wearing a helmet, thermal suit and a parachute.

He was reported missing about eight hours later after losing contact with port authority officials, according to the treasurer of his Sao Cristovao parish, Denise Gallas.

Here's the video of the start of his journey.

The priest then soared to 6,000 metres and then back down to 2,500 metres before being blown off course.

The AP story continues with an optimistic note.

Carli had a GPS device, a satellite phone, a buoyant chair and is an experienced skydiver, Gallas said.

"We are absolutely confident he will be found alive and well, floating somewhere in the ocean," she said.

"He knew what he was doing and was fully prepared for any kind of mishap."

If anyone sees a Catholic priest floating by then I'm sure the Brazilian rescue authorities would be keen to hear from you.